I use Topaz B&W and so far I like it a lot. Also the price is unbeatable so you almost can't go wrong.
I had the trial version of Silver Efex and liked it too but for the price difference I ultimately chose Topaz.

joesfotosite wrote:
I use Topaz B&W and so far I like it a lot. Also the price is unbeatable so you almost can't go wrong.
I had the trial version of Silver Efex and liked it too but for the price difference I ultimately chose Topaz.

I your opinion, is there anything that you feel your not getting from Topaz that Silver Efex would give you?

I think the biggest difference is the ability to use Nik's U Point technology, one of the features they are known for. Aside from that the conversions and tones from both are excellent. I decided that I couldn't resist the price of the Topaz. I can selectively adjust beforehand using the adjustment brush in Lightroom if necessary.

joesfotosite wrote:
I think the biggest difference is the ability to use Nik's U Point technology, one of the features they are known for. Aside from that the conversions and tones from both are excellent. I decided that I couldn't resist the price of the Topaz. I can selectively adjust beforehand using the adjustment brush in Lightroom if necessary.

I havent tried Topaz.
I agree SEP is pricey. I never bought it as a standalone. Rather I decided to shop the packages, with the notion that more than two plug-ins that I would use would justify the cost of a Nik Collection. I use SEP all the time. I use CEP fairly often, especially for Tonal Contrast, Solarization and Detail Extractor. I occ use Dfine. I am just starting to play with Viveza. I dont shoot HDR, but the single image tone-mapping is interesting.
On the other hand, I think there is a whole Topaz suite, probably better priced. The control point feature in Nik is excellent. Not sure if it justifies the price difference.

I have and use both. I tend to use Nik most of the time. My reason is that I use the neutral conversion, than pick and choose some of the other oresets, and use the brush feature to paint in the extra effecst in where I specifically want them You can do the same with U points, but I like the painting a bit better. So, more "instant gratrification" To make this really interesting have a look at OnOne's new BW feature. Who knows where you might end up.

I too have both, for some reason I prefer the end result better with Silver efex, the control with the control points is really wonderful and I tend to like the tones I can achieve better with Silver efex, both of those you can "try before you buy" so give them both a try and see what works for you